Elevator assembly for swimming pool

ABSTRACT

An elevator assembly structured to regulate the accessible depth of a swimming pool including a platform selectively and automatically moveable between lowered, intermediate and raised positions thereby regulating the depth of the pool as well as providing a stable barrier and support area adjacent the open top of the pool when in a raised position. A support assembly and drive assembly are operatively associated to move and maintain the platform in any of the aforementioned positions. The platform includes a passage assembly comprising an apertured construction including a plurality of openings disposed and dimensioned to facilitate water flow therethrough as the platform moves within the pool. A sensor assembly is disposed to monitor predetermined vicinity adjacent the pool and functions to automatically dispose the platform in the raised position, thereby preventing drowning of individuals who cannot swim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an assembly structured to regulate the accessible depth of a swimming pool or like structure by means of a movable platform disposable at various depths within the pool. The platform includes an apertured construction which facilitates movement of the platform through the pool water and possibly filtering the pool water as it passes through the apertured construction of the platform. Additional features include a heating assembly as well as a motion sensor structured to automatically position the platform into a raised, substantially covering position relative to the open top end of the pool, thereby restricting access of children and other individuals that cannot swim.

2. Description of the Related Art

The popularity of domestic or home swimming pools, especially in geographical areas enjoying a moderate or tropical climate, has increased greatly over the years. The common enjoyment of the recreational facilities associated with outdoor, in-ground swimming is well recognized. However, one serious problem associated with the increased availability of domestic swimming pools is an attendant danger for infants, small children and other individuals that are not proficient at swimming. The danger of inadvertent drowning is increased, at least to some extent, by the fact that most domestic swimming pools are easily accessible even when the property or area at which the pool is located is protected by some type of fence or like barrier. Potential danger associated with swimming pools is made more evident by fairly recent statistics which indicate that thousands of children are hospitalized each year due to near drowning. Further, approximately 50% of preschooler drownings occur in residential swimming pools as versus natural bodies of water or commercial pools where the availability of lifeguards or like protection is more prevalent.

As a result, various types of increased protection have been proposed and are currently in use by many private individuals or families responsible for domestic swimming pools. Such increased protection typically takes the form of some type of safety fence or barrier which directly surrounds or otherwise restricts access to the swimming pool. One problem associated with many known or conventional safety fences of the type described is the inability to prevent access to the interior of the swimming pool because they are constructed and/or installed to be temporary barriers which are easily removed when access to the swimming pool is intended.

Another conventional or commonly used protective facility includes safety covers which are structured to cover or overly the open top end of a pool. As such, entry or access to the interior of the pool is usually restricted. An additional advantage of such pool covers is the elimination of debris in terms of leaves, branches, etc. from entering the pool water. However, disadvantages of many conventional cover structures of the type described include their construction from generally lightweight, flexible material. The formation of pool covers from this type of material may facilitate their installation and protective positioning. However, such pool covering material may not support the weight of infants or small children which attempt to walk or otherwise travel over the exposed surface thereof. Also, the flexibility of known pool covers may result in the formation of puddles on the exposed surface. When such puddles are present or are allowed to form, due to the collection of rain water or the like, the puddles themselves create drowning hazards.

Another disadvantage associated with many commercially available cover structures is associated with the difficulty and significant time involved in its installation and/or disposition in its intended protective position. As a result, it is common practice to properly position such pool coverings only during times of the year when swimming pools are not extensively used. Accordingly, swimming pools adapted for use with conventional pool covers frequently are left unprotected for extended periods when protection is needed the most.

Other and more elaborate or complex systems associated with improving the safety of the environment about a swimming pool include monitoring and/or alarm systems. Such monitoring or alarm systems are usually structured to “guard” the perimeter or other appropriate vicinities adjacent the pool by employing devices such as photoelectric cells, laser beams, etc. It is assumed that these more complex systems are at least minimally operative for their intended purpose. However, certain disadvantages are associated with their installation and operation. By way of example, monitoring or alarm systems of the type described are frequently activated by animals, debris, and/or extreme whether conditions, wherein the danger of an individual inadvertently falling into the swimming pool does not actually exist. Other disadvantages relate to the inability of such monitoring systems to be used in combination with some type of life saving facility, other than activation of an alarm or signal. Finally, the cost of purchasing such systems as well as the structural modifications of the pool and/or the surrounding area when such systems are installed is another area of concern.

Therefore, it is well recognized that the popularity of home or domestic swimming pools have significantly increased the dangers associated with their unrestricted access and such dangers have not been adequately addressed. Accordingly, there is a significant need in the area of swimming pools and like recreational facilities to provide a meaningful system of protection which is selectively and/or automatically operable to prevent inadvertent drowning. In addition, a proposed and preferred system, once practically applied, should ideally be operatively associated with the maintenance of the swimming pool including filtering and/or heating of the pool water. Moreover, a proposed system structured to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional safety structures such as pool covers, barriers, safety fences, etc, should be capable of further enhancing the ability to use the swimming pool during all seasons of the year. Finally, such a preferred system should overcome disadvantages generally associated with cost, installation and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an elevator assembly structured for use with a swimming pool and operative to regulate the accessible depth of the pool by the selective or automatic positioning of a platform at various heights within the pool.

More specifically, the platform is dimensioned and configured to substantially correspond at least to the open top end of the pool and preferably to include a periphery which is configured to correspond to the pool's interior wall surface. Moreover, the platform may be movably disposed and removably maintained within the pool interior, preferably between a lowered position and a raised position. In addition, the platform may be removably maintained in at least one intermediate position or alternatively a plurality of intermediate positions, wherein the one or more intermediate positions are disposed between the aforementioned raised and lowered positions. When in the lowered position, at least a portion of the platform is disposed in somewhat adjacent relation to the floor of the swimming pool or in a predetermined spaced distanced above the floor.

In contrast, when in the raised position, the platform is at least generally disposed adjacent the open top end of the pool and preferably oriented such that the outer surface of the platform is above the water level within the pool. Accordingly, when in the raised position the platform, and/or at least the exposed outer surface thereof may serve as a stage or like structure able to support a plurality of individuals thereon. Also, when in the raised position, the outer surface of the platform may be substantially flush with the surrounding peripheral border of the open top end so as to at least partially define a substantially level support structure. Also, because the dimension and configuration of the periphery of the platform substantially corresponds with that of the open top of the swimming pool, inadvertent access to the interior of the pool is effectively restricted. Accordingly, the platform serves as a barrier to prevent children, invalids or other individuals that cannot swim from accidentally falling into the swimming pool.

In the lowered position, the platform is disposed substantially adjacent to the floor of the pool, as set forth above. Therefore, the water within the pool will have a normal or intended accessible depth for conventional swimming, diving, etc. As also set forth above the platform may be disposed in one or more intermediate positions. Accordingly, at least one intermediate position is located closer to the open top end than the floor of the pool in order to establish a predetermined shallow depth of approximately 2 to 3 feet. At such depth, young children can enjoy the recreational facilities of the swimming pool without accidentally passing or falling into a “deep end” of the pool where drowning may occur. It is emphasized that the one or more intermediate positions of the platform are not necessarily limited to a position wherein the accessible depth is 2 to 3 feet. To the contrary, the platform can be located at a variety of depths between the raised and lowered positions.

Additional structural features include a support assembly preferably comprising one or more stanchions disposed on the interior of the pool and moveably interconnected to and supporting the platform at strategic locations, preferably adjacent its peripheries. Further, a drive assembly is operatively associated with the support assembly and serves to moveably interconnect the platform to the one or more stanchions or other structure which defines the support assembly. In a most preferred embodiment, the drive assembly is pneumatically or hydraulically operated by means of a pump and/or air motor wherein air is forced into the interior of the one or more stanchions, when such are used to define the support assembly. Therefore, by regulating the air flow into and out of the stanchions or other support assembly, the platform may be moved within the pool to assume the aforementioned raised, lowered or intermediate positions.

In order to facilitate travel or movement of the platform between the aforementioned positions, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the platform having an apertured construction. The apertured construction preferably comprises a plurality of openings extending over at least the majority of the platform. Each of the openings extends completely through the platform so as to establish fluid communication between opposite sides thereof. As a result, the lowering or raising of the platform will result in a forced passage of the pool water through the openings and in the opposite direction to the direction traveled by the platform.

As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the openings are disposed in spaced relation to one another and extend over at least a majority of the platform if not substantially the entire surface area thereof. In addition, the openings may be of a common size or different sizes such that the overall collective dimension of the openings facilitates the aforementioned flow of pool water between opposite sides of the platform as it moves between the various raised, lowered and intermediate positions. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the openings are structured to be closed thereby facilitating walking or conventional travel of an individual over the outer, exposed surface of the platform when it is in the raised position.

Other features of yet additional preferred embodiments of the present invention include a control assembly operatively associated with the drive assembly for activating movement of the platform between the various positions. Moreover, the control means may include certain electrical switching and/or manually activated components which serve to operate an air motor, pump or other source of compressed air so as to power the drive assembly and cause travel of the platform within the interior of the swimming pool. In addition, the control assembly incorporates additional safety features structured to automatically regulate the position, such as in possible emergency situations.

More specifically, the control assembly incorporates a sensor assembly preferably in the form of one or more motion sensors disposed to monitor the exterior of the pool at least in the vicinity adjacent the open top end and/or perimeter thereof. As such, the one or more motion sensors are operative to sense motion within the monitored vicinity and cause activation of the drive assembly so as to raise the platform into an uppermost or raised position. When so disposed, the platform will then serve as a barrier to prevent a child or other individual from falling into the pool and/or being completely submerged by the pool water. Performance capability of the sensor assembly in combination with activation of the drive assembly is such as to cause a substantially immediate travel of the platform into the raised position in a minimal amount of time. Accordingly, if a child or other individual accidentally falls into the open top end of the pool the immediate raising of the platform will rapidly diminish the depth of water to which the individual is exposed and eventually position the individual above the level of the pool water when the platform reaches the fully raised position.

Yet additional preferred embodiments of the present invention include a heating assembly including facilities having the capacity to circulate heated water and/or heated air throughout portions of the pool. The heater assembly may be solar powered or may derive heated fluid from the wasted heat/energy of the pump, air motor or other fluid pumping facilities associated with the filling, drainage and circulation of the pool water.

Accordingly, the elevator assembly of the present invention is readily adaptable to enhance both the safety and recreational enjoyment of a conventional swimming by efficiently providing the movement of a platform within the interior of the swimming pool between raised, lowered and intermediate positions. In doing so, the accessible depth of the swimming pool can be regulated or access to the interior of the pool can be completely prohibited. Further, the versatility of operating the platform by either manual operation or automatic sensory facilities significantly increases the safety of domestic swimming pools in the extent of substantially eliminating the possibility of inadvertent drowning of infants or small children.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool incorporating at least one preferred embodiment of an elevator assembly structured to regulate the accessible depth of the swimming pool.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in schematic form of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a platform of the elevator assembly disposed in a raised position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention wherein the platform is in a lowered position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation including an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporating a sensor assembly disposed and structured to monitor vicinity adjacent an open top of the swimming pool.

FIG. 8 is a top view in schematic form of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention representing various monitored coverage areas of the sensor assembly.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view in partial cutaway of as locking assembly associated with maintaining the platform in a predetermined position.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of the present invention as applied to a swimming pool and an attendant support assembly having a different configuration from that demonstrated in FIGS. 1 through 6.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view in partial cutaway disclosing a support assembly and drive assembly associated with the moveable platform and the swimming pool.

FIG. 13 is a schematic composite representation of at least a portion of a control assembly associated with the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 12.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to an elevator assembly, generally indicated as 10, adaptable for use with a variety of different domestic and/or commercial swimming pools generally indicated as 12. Moreover, the elevator assembly 10 of the present invention is specifically structured to regulate the accessible depth of the water within the pool 12 by selectively and/or automatically positioning and removably maintaining the platform, generally indicated as 14, in any one of a plurality of predetermined positions.

As represented in FIGS. 1 through 3, the platform 14 may be disposed in a raised position such that it is disposed substantially adjacent and/or even contiguous with the periphery of the open top end 16 of the pool 12. With primary reference to FIG. 1, when the platform 14 is in its upper most, raised position it may serve as a support base, stage or like readily accessible area on which a plurality of individuals may walk, run, dance or otherwise be supported. Concurrently, when so disposed the platform serves as a completely safe barrier to prevent access to the interior of the pool by infants, children or other individuals unable to swim. However, it is emphasized that in its raise position of FIGS. 1 through 3, the platform 14 is not necessarily limited to a contiguous orientation of the outer most surface 14′ relative to the open periphery 16 and/or a surrounding walkway or border 16′.

With primary reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the platform 14 is also disposable into a lowered position, wherein at least a portion of the platform 14, such as at 17, is resting on or substantially disposed adjacent to a floor 20 of the pool 12. It is of course noted that depending upon the shape of the floor 20, at least a portion of the platform, as at 17′, may be disposed above or in at least partially spaced relation to the lower most portion of the pool floor 20′. However, as conventionally constructed, many domestic swimming pools may not have a severe drop-off as indicated by the slanted floor portion 20′. In contrast, a pool 12 may have a more gradual sloping disposition of the floor 20, 20′ in order to create a “deep end” where diving or other deeper water activities may take place.

As at least partially represented in FIG. 7, the platform 14 may also be disposed in one or more intermediate positions located intermediate the upper most, raised position of FIGS. 1 through 3 and the lowered position of FIGS. 4 and 5. In at least one, preferred intermediate position, indicated as 22, the platform 14 is located closer to the open top end 16 but in spaced relation thereto such that the readily accessibly depth of the pool water is significantly shallow such as in the range of approximately 2 to 3 feet. At this relatively shallow depth, young children may enjoy the pool water but are not able to have access to the deeper water. As set forth herein, limited access to the greater depths of the pool is at least partially due to the fact that the platform 14 is dimensioned and configured to correspond to the open top end 16 of the swimming pool 12 and the inner wall surface thereof. Accordingly when lowered into the intermediate position 22 the spacing between the periphery of the platform 14 and the interior sides or wall surfaces of the swimming pool 12 is insufficient to allow a child to pass there through. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, a locking assembly may also be provided to removably maintain the platform 12 in any of the aforementioned raised, lowered or one or more intermediate positions.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform 14 comprises a passage assembly connected thereto or mounted thereon. As represented in the accompanying Figures, the passage assembly comprises the platform having an apertured construction more specifically defined by a plurality of openings 24 formed in spaced relation to one another and collectively extending over substantially all but at least a majority of the platform 14. Further, each of the openings 24 passes completely through the platform 14 and thereby establishes a path of fluid flow between opposite sides of the platform 14. Therefore, as the platform 14 moves within the interior of the swimming pool 12, the water will pass through the plurality of openings 24 from one side of the platform 14 to the opposite side. Obviously, the direction of water flow through the openings 24 will be opposite to the direction of travel of the platform as it moves into the raised, lowered or one or more intermediate positions as described above. While the configuration of the array of the plurality of apertures may vary as well as their relative size and spacing, one embodiment is best demonstrated in FIG. 6 wherein the plurality of openings extend over at least a majority of the platform 14.

Another feature of the passage assembly, including the existence of the plurality of openings 24, is the ability of at least some of the openings to be closed. Such a closed orientation of the plurality of openings 24 most practically occurs when the platform 14 is in its raised position as demonstrated in FIG. 1. In such a raised orientation, the outer surface 14′ of the platform 14 may therefore be better used as a stage or entertainment area where people may easily walk, dance, travel, etc.

As also represented throughout the various accompanying Figures, the elevator assembly 10 comprises a support assembly preferably defined by at least one, but more practically a plurality of stanchions 30. The one or more stanchions 30 may be mounted within the interior of the pool 12 and in certain embodiments extend substantially from the open top end 16 to the floor 20 and 20′. The support assembly and more specifically the stanchions 30 are disposed in supporting relation to the platform 14 and further include the provision of a drive assembly connected to and/or otherwise operatively associated with the one or more stanchions as generally represented as 32 in FIG. 12. The drive assembly 32 is preferably pneumatically and/or hydraulically operated by passing air or other fluid into the interior thereof so as to regulate the height of the platform 14 along the length of the stanchions 30.

As also represented, the stanchions 30 may be mounted at any of a plurality of points along the swimming pool 12 by a retaining bracket or like structure 34. Similarly, the drive assembly 32 may further include an interconnecting or mounting bracket 36 extending outwardly from a side or periphery thereof as at 14″. Accordingly, activation and/or operation of an air pump or other fluid pump and associated air motor as at 40 will serve to drive or force fluid, under at least a minimal pressure into active association with the drive assembly 32 causing the platform 14 to be disposed in any of the aforementioned, raised, lowered or intermediate positions.

In order to removably maintain the platform 14 in any of the predetermined positions, a locking assembly is generally indicated as 42. The locking assembly 42 includes an assembly housing 44 and a locking actuator mechanism 46 which may also be operated or controlled by appropriate fluid entering and exiting through ports 47 on opposite sides of an actuator piston or like structure 48. Operation of the locking actuator mechanism 46 serves to drive a locking shaft 49 reciprocally into or out of the housing 44 and into locking engagement with the platform 14 as demonstrated.

Other features associated with additional preferred embodiments of the elevator assembly 10 of the present invention include a plurality of conduits 52, 55 communicating with a solar panel or like structure, generally indicated as 56. The outlet of each of the conduits 52 and 55 deliver pressurized fluid which may be heated by the solar cell assembly 56 into the main interior of the swimming pool 12 or alternatively into the drive assembly associated with the stanchions 30.

Therefore, the heated fluid, being either water or air may serve to activate the drive assembly 32 associated with each of the stanchions 30 and may also be delivered to the interior of swimming pool 12 so as to facilitate the heating thereof. A delivery conduit as at 53 may be defined by a two-way conduit wherein forced flow of air or water is delivered to and from the solar assembly 56 for heat transfer. Adequate circulation of the pool water along with the heated fluid defining an active part of the heating assembly may be driven by the aforementioned circulating pump and air motor assembly 40 as schematically represented in FIG. 11. As also demonstrated a filter assembly 41 may be directly associated therewith.

With primary reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 13, the elevator assembly 10 of the present assembly also comprises a versatile control assembly. The various operative components of the control assembly are represented in a composite FIG. 13 and may be at least partially manually controlled by appropriate switches, control buttons, touch pad input terminals, key push button control facilities, as well as disconnect switches and the like. Operative controls in the form of safety and alarm relays may also be provided. Therefore, the control assembly may be operated manually, at least in part, to selectively raise and lower the platform 14 into any one of the aforementioned raised, lowered, or one or more intermediate positions, as described.

However, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the control assembly may also include a sensor assembly generally represented at 60 and include one or more motion sensors 62. Each motion sensor 62 is structured and appropriately disposed to monitor the vicinity at least partially adjacent the open top end 16 as well as the surrounding walkways, borders, etc. 16′. Clearly the number and location of the motion sensors 62 may vary significantly such that all or certain portions of the surrounding periphery of the open top 16 and/or border 16′ may be monitored extensively in order to prevent accidental or inadvertent entry into the interior of pool 12 such as by an infant, small child or other individual accidentally falling therein.

Upon the sensing of motion about a monitored vicinity of the pool 12, the sensor assembly is activated, in cooperation with the control assembly demonstrated in FIG. 13 and the drive assembly 32, to immediately move the platform 14 in its raised position as demonstrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. The movement of the platform 14 during what may be an emergency condition may be at a significantly more rapid rate of travel than when the platform 14 is selectively positioned for recreational purposes. Therefore, even if a child or other individual, who cannot swim, falls through the open top end 16 into the interior of the swimming pool 12, the immediate raising of the platform to the raised position of FIGS. 1 through 3 would occur in a minimal amount of time sufficient to prevent the drowning of the individual.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described, 

1. An elevator assembly structured to regulate the accessible depth of a swimming pool, said assembly comprising: a platform disposed within an interior of the pool, a support assembly disposed in supporting relation to said platform, a drive assembly operatively associated with said support assembly, said platform moveably connected to said support assembly and disposable between a raised position and a lowered position upon activation of said drive assembly, and said raised and lowered positions respectively comprising said platform disposed adjacent and open top of the pool and a floor of the pool.
 2. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive assembly and said support assembly are cooperatively structured to removably maintain said platform in at least one intermediate position between said raised and lowered positions.
 3. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said drive assembly and said support assembly are cooperatively structured to dispose and maintain said platform in a plurality of intermediate positions between said raised and lowered and positions.
 4. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a passage assembly disposed on said platform and structured to facilitate fluid flow between opposite sides of said platform during movement thereof within the swimming pool.
 5. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said passage assembly comprises said platform including an apertured construction disposed, dimensioned and configured to facilitate fluid flow through said platform at least during movement thereof within the interior of the swimming pool.
 6. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said apertured construction comprises a plurality of openings extending through said platform in communicating relation with said opposite sides thereof.
 7. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said plurality of openings are disposed in space relation to one another and collectively extend over at least a majority of said platform.
 8. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein at least some of said openings are closable.
 9. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said platform is dimensioned and configured to substantially correspond to the open top of the pool.
 10. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said platform is dimensioned and configured to restrict access to the interior of the pool when said platform is in said raised position.
 11. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said platform is dimensioned and configured to substantially correspond to the open top of the pool.
 12. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said raised position further comprises an exposed surface of said platform disposed above a water level within the pool.
 13. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said support assembly comprises a plurality of stanchions at least partially disposed within the interior of the pool and collectively, movably supporting said platform.
 14. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said drive assembly is connected to at least one of said plurality of stanchions.
 15. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a control assembly operatively connected to said drive assembly and structured to regulate activation of said drive assembly and said platform.
 16. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said control assembly comprises a sensor assembly structured to determine the presence of motion in predetermined vicinity at least partially adjacent the open top of the pool.
 17. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a heater assembly disposed and structured to circulate heated fluid throughout at least a portion of the pool.
 18. An elevator assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive means is pneumatically controlled. 